Advocacy is a political process by
an individual or group which
aims to
influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and
institutions.
Advocacy can include many activities that a person or
organization undertakes including
media campaigns, public speaking,
commissioning and publishing research, conducting exit poll
or the filing of
an amicus brief.
Lobbying (often by lobby groups) is a form of
advocacy
where a direct approach is made to legislators on an issue which plays
a significant role in modern politics.
Research has started to address how
advocacy groups in Canada are using social media to facilitate civic engagement
and collective action.